Roman shade and method of fabrication

ABSTRACT

A Roman-type shade and method of fabrication. The fabric of the shade is formed into a series of horizontally extending, vertically spaced parallel folds which carry flexible battens adapted to rigidly hold the folds when the shade is hung and which permit cleaning of the shade without removal of the battens. In one embodiment the battens are secured within the folds by a line of stitching which extends through both the fabric and battens and with rearwardly extending marginal portions of the battens formed with openings and eyelets adapted to receive pull-cords arranged in a manner to raise and lower the shade. In another embodiment a line of stitching in the folds forms pockets for receiving the battens and with openings formed in certain battens for seating grommets which both receive the pull-cords and anchor the battens within the pockets. In the method, batten locations are marked on the fabric with portions of the fabric along the length of each mark secured to one flat side of individual battens by adhesive means. In adjacent portion of the fabric is then folded over and secured in overlying relationship with the opposite side of the batten by adhesive means. Lines of stitching are then formed to extend through the fabric and into the battens. Openings are formed in the battens and adjacent fold portions with eyelets seated in the openings to receive the pull-cords.

United States Patent [1 1 Susoev [111 3,777,800 [4 1 Dec. 11, 1973 ROMANSHADE AND METHOD OF FABRICATION [76] Inventor: Yasha A. Susoev, 151Union St., San

Anselmo, Calif. 94111 [22] Filed: Dec. 30, 1971 {21] Appl. No.: 214,015

[52] 11.8. CI. 160/84 R, 160/330 [51] Int. Cl A47b 5/00 [58] Field ofSearch 160/84 R, 330; 156/93, 202, 216

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,086,216 4/1963 Brooks eta1 156/93 2,813,054 11/1957 Nicholas 156/93 1,752,610 4/1930 McSpadden160/84 R 3,132,687 5/1964 Potye 160/348 3,632,154 l/1972 Woodrich160/330 3,195,616 7/1965 Taber 160/238 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS204,800 8/1939 Switzerland 160/84 R Primary Examiner-Peter M. CaunAttorney-Paul D. Flehr et a1.

[57] ABSTRACT A Roman-type shade and method of fabrication. The

fabric of the shade is formed into a series of horizontally extending,vertically spaced parallel folds which carry flexible battens adapted torigidly hold the folds when the shade is hung and which permit cleaningof the shade without removal of the battens. In one embodiment thebattens are secured within the folds by a line of stitching whichextends through both the fabric and battens and with rearwardlyextending marginal portions of the battens formed with openings andeyelets adapted to receive pull-cords arranged in a manner to raise andlower the shade. In another embodiment a line of stitching in the foldsforms pockets for receiving the battens and with openings formed incertain battens for seating grommets which both receive the pull-cordsand anchor the battens within the pockets. In the method, battenlocations are marked on the fabric with portions of the fabric along thelength of each mark secured to one flat side of individual battens byadhesive means. In adjacent portion of the fabric is then folded overand secured in overlying relationship with the opposite side of thebatten by adhesive means. Lines of stitching are then formed to extendthrough the fabric and into the battens. Openings are formed in thebattens and adjacent fold portions with eyelets seated in the openingsto receive the pullcords.

13 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures 1 ROMAN SHADE AND METHOD OF FABRICATIONBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to shades of the typegenerically termed Roman shades and which are specially characterized inbeing opened and closed by means of progressively raising and loweringthe fabric of the shade from the bottom margin.

Roman shades of conventional design employ means such as wooden slatsattached on the concealed side of the shade in an attempt to maintainstraightness in the folds formed in the fabric. Conventional Romanshades are awkward to handle and require complete disassembly of theshade, including removal of the slats, for cleaning the fabric. Thedisassembly and reassembly of the shade for cleaning purposes is adifficult and time consuming task. Moreover, in conventional Romanshades the folds are not well retained and do not provide the desirablecrispness of appearance.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a general object of theinvention to provide a new and improved Roman-type shade constructionand method of fabrication.

Another object is to provide a shade construction in which the fabric isformed into a plurality of horizontally extending, vertically spacedfolds and with flexible battens carried within the folds. The battensare formed of a material adapted to provide sufficient flexibility topermit laundering or dry cleaning of the shade without removal of thebattens, and in which the battens return by the action of plastic memoryto their initial rigid configuration when the shade is re-hung.

Another object is to provide a method of fabrication for a Roman-typeshade of the character described in which the fabric is initially markedfor indicating predetermined batten locations, a first portion of thefabric along the length of each mark is secured to one side of thebattens by an adhesive and a second portion of the fabric is folded intooverlying relationship with the other side of the batten and securedthereto by an adhesive. In one embodiment means is provided securing thebattens within the folds of the fabric by a line of stitching along thelength of each fold and extending into the battens. In anotherembodiment the stitching forms pockets for receiving the battens.

Another object is to provide a Roman-type shade construction of thecharacter described adapted for convenient and fast assembly anddisassembly for cleaning purposes. The shade includes quick releasefastener means formed at the upper margin of the shade for securing thesame to a fixture, battens formed of a flexible material mounted inhorizontally extending folds of the fabric, a hem weight retained withina lowermost pocket of the fabric by a quick-release flap, and pull-cordmeans extending through aligned openings and eyelets provided in thebattens.

Additional objects and features of the invention will appear from thefollowing description in which the preferred embodiments of theinvention have been set forth in detail in conjunction with the drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 2 is an elevational view of therearward side of the shade of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the shade of FIG.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view in cross section taken along theline 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary section view taken along the line 55 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating the shade drawn intoraised position;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the shade of FIG. 1illustrating the releasable flap for the weighted hem pocket;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view in vertical cross section of anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view in section taken along the line 9-9 of FIG.8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the drawings FIGS. 1 3illustrate generally at 10 a preferred embodiment of the Roman-typeshade of the invention. The shade 10 is fabricated of a suitable fabric12, preferably a flameproof fabric such as fiberglass material or thelike, although any suitable fabric of the type commonly utilized forshades may be employed. A plurality of horizonially extending,vertically spaced folds 14, 16, 18 are formed in the fabric providingthe characteristic appearance of a Roman shade. Quick-release fastenermeans 20 is provided along the upper margin of the fabric for attachingand hanging the shade to the desired fixture 22. Means is provided forraising and lowering the shade progressively from the lower portion ofthe fabric and in the illustrated embodiment this means comprises thepull-cord operating means 24. A weighted hem pocket 26 is provided atthe lower margin of the fabric for holding down the fabric and toprovide a straight and crisp appearance when the shade is hung.

Each of the folds 14, 16 and 18 are provided with horizontal elongateflat battens 28, 30 specially adapted with sufficient rigidity to holdthe folds in straight configuration when the shade is hung, and withflexing ability and plastic memory for resilient return to permitmachine cleaning of the shade as by laundering or dry cleaning withoutthe requirement for removing the battens. The battens are fabricatedwith a suitable combination of thickness and material selection toprovide these properties. Preferably the batten material is a syntheticpolymer such as one of the thermoplastic. resins. The polymer sold underthe tradename Lexan by the General Electric Company and which is athermoplastic polycarbonate condensation product of bisphenol-A andphosgene is one preferred material in that in addition to the foregoingproperties it provides a high degree of impact resistance forwithstanding-the stresses encountered during the sewing operations andlaundering or dry-cleaning of the completed shade, is

' fire proof, is translucent so that the batten easily takes on thecolor characteristics of the particular fabric it is used with, does notdiscolor or degrade with age or heat, has a relative high meltingtemperature as compared to other resins, and does not twist or ripplewith the application of heat such as from an iron, for example. Otherresins such as polyvinyl chloride may also be utilized with theinvention. The batten thickness preferably is 20 mil, and should besubstantially within the range of 15-30 mil. Where the batten is toothin then the proper rigidity is not maintained, and where it is toothick then it is difficult to stitch through without breaking the sewingneedles.

The shade is fabricated in a method which includes forming the battensfrom strips of stock material into the width size desired for theparticular job specification. ln the embodiment as shown in FIG. 4 and 5the width of each batten is sized so that a front portion 34 projectsbetween the opposed portions of fabric fold 18 while a rear portion 36forms a margin which extends rearwardly of the folds. The end edges ofeach batten are bevelled as at 32 to eliminate objectionable sharpcorners. Batten locations are marked or ruled out on the fabric atpredetermined spaced-apart dimensions. A portion of the fabric extendingalong each mark is secured to one side of front batten portion 34 byadhesive means such as a layer of white glue. The portion of theadjacent fabric extending along the other side of the mark is thenfolded over into overlying relationship with the rear margin of thebatten and secured thereto by the adhesive means. After this foldingoperation is completed heat and pressure may be applied to the folds bysuitable means such as an iron to ensure that the fabric remains securedto the battens. A line of stitching as at 38 is then sewn through boththe opposed portions of the fabric and the material of the battens alongthe-length of battens adjacent the edges of the folds. This stitchingserves to prevent the formation of a wavy appearance in the folds whenthe shade is hung, such as would otherwise occur where, for example, asheer fabric is employed. As desired suitable adhesive material may beutilized for permanently securing the fabric fold portions to thesurfaces of the battens, thereby eliminating the described line ofstitching. 35

An alternate method of assembly would include the provision of layers ofcontact-type adhesive on both sides of the battens along front margin 34with a protection peel-off strip covering the adhesive layer. After thefabric is marked for the batten locations the peeloff strips is removedto expose the adhesive and facilitate securing the battens to the foldportions.

Where a batten may be initially applied out of alignment during assemblythen the method facilitates immediate correction of the error throughthe simple step ofseparating the fabric from the surface of the battenand repositioning the batten in proper alignment on the fabric,- withapplication of additional adhesive where necessary.

The rear portion 36 of each batten is formed with a plurality, shown asfour, of openings 40. A guide or metal eyelet 42 is seated within eachopening. The eyelets 42 provide a central opening for guiding one of thefour vertically extending pull-cords 44, preferably of nylon material,of operating means 24. The upper ends of the pull-cords are trained in astrand through rings 46 fastened below fixture 22. The strand ofpull-cords is then tied in a knot 48 of a size preventing the knot frombeing pulled through the first ring, with a suitable handle 50 securedto the end of the strand. The lower ends of each of the cords are formedinto a slip knot 52 of a size sufficient to prevent the knotfrom beingdrawn upwardly through the lower eyelet 42. The shade is progressivelyraised from its lower end by pulling down on the handle therebyprogressively drawing the battens upwardly with the fabric between thebattens folding downwardly as illustrated in FIG. 6. The

shade is secured in raised position by suitable fastener means, notshown, adapted to releasably hold the strand of pull-cords. The slipknots 52 may be easily untied permitting the pull-cords to be completelydrawn through the eyelets and rings for disassembly of the shade forcleaning purposes. As desired, the shade operating means would be poweroperated as by providing a motorized drum upon which the upper ends ofthe cords are wound.

The side edges of the fabric are formed into hems 54, 56 by means offolding back the edges of the fabric and sewing lines of stitching at 58and 60. Alternatively, these side hems may be eliminated by employing afabric of the type formed with an overlock type edge. The weighted hernpocket 26 is formed by folding back the lower edge of the fabric andsewing'a line of stitching at 62. A weight 54 such as a wooden or metalrod, is captured in pocket 26 by sewing one end of the pocket closed andby providing quick-release flap means 66 at the other end of the pocket.This flap means preferably comprises the fastener means sold under thetrade name Velcro and comprising a strip 66 of outwardly projecting rowsof small plastic hooks and an opposing strip 68 of a felt-like material.The pocket is closed by pressing the flap together so that the Velcrostrips interengage, and the pocket is quickly opened for removing therod by merely pulling the Velcro strips apart.

The quick release fastener means 20 for securing the upper margin of theshade to the fixture preferably comprises Velcro strips of the typedescribed above. Thus, a strip 70 comprising rows of small plastic booksis mounted to the surface of fixture 22 and an opposing strip 72 offelt-like material is secured as by sewing to the backside of the uppermargin of the shade. The shade is thus adapted to be quickly hung bypressing the strip 72 against the opposing strip 70 on the fixture, andthe shade may be quickly disassembled for cleaning purposes by merelypulling the two strips apart. Alternatively, other quick-releasefastener means such as snap-tapes may be employed in place of thedescribed Velcro strips. I

The backside of the shade can be covered with a separate layer of fabricto conceal the exposed portions of the battens from view. Thisconstruction,.not shown, could include a method of assembly similar. tothat described above in which folds formed in the separate fabric layerare secured to the exposed portions of the battens by suitable adhesiveand/or stitching.

The embodiment of FIG. 1 7 may also include a construction in whichalternate wide and narrow battens are secured into the folds of thefabric. In this construction, not shown, the fabric would be formed withfolds which alternately project on front and rear sides of the shades.The battens of relatively small width would be secured completely withinthe folds which project rearwardly of the shade while the front portionsof the wider battens would be secured within the forwardly projectingfolds, with each batten stitched in place as described above. Openingsand eyelets would be provided in aligned rows through both the smallbattens and the rearportions of the wide battens. Suitable pull-cordmeans, a weighted hem pocket, and quickrelease attachment means for theshade would be provided as previously described.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate features of an embodiment of the inventionincorporating a shade 74 formed with folds which alternately project onfront and rear sides.

The fabric 76 of the shade is first marked with horizontally extendingvertically spaced batten locations. The fabric is then formed with aplurality of folds 78 on the front side of the shade alternating withfolds 80 on the rearward side. Lines of stitching at 82 and 84 are sewnalong the folds to form pockets for receiving the battens. Horizontallyelongate flexible battens 86, 88 are positioned in the batten pockets,and the battens are formed of a suitable synthetic polymer materialproviding the properties described above which achieve a straight andcrisp appearance for the folds when the shade is hung and yet permitcleaning without the requirement of removing the battens.

The sectional view of FIG. 9 illustrates details of the means forsecuring battens 86 against lengthwise displacement within the pocketsof front folds 78. The line of stitching at 90 forms a hem 92 at eachside edge of the shade. Prior to insertion of the batten within thepocket suitable openings 94 are formed at the batten ends. With thebattens positioned in the pockets stitching 96 is sewn through hem 92and the batten openings to anchor the batten within the pocket.

The battens 88 within the pockets of rearward folds 80 are anchoredagainst lengthwise displacement by means of forming pull-cord openings98 in aligned rows through'the battens and fabric. Metal grommets 100are then seated through the openings. Pull-cords 102 are trained throughthe grommets with their lower ends secured to suitable means such asmetal rings, not shown, of a size larger than the grommet openings sothat the shade can be progressively raised by drawing on the strand ofcords.

While the embodiments herein are at present considered to be preferredit will be understood that numerous variations and modifications may bemade therein by those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover inthe appended claims all such variations and modifications as fall withinthe true spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. In a shade device, the combination comprising at least one layer offabric, a plurality of horizontally extending, vertically spacedU-shaped folds formed in said fabric layer, the folds having facingplanar sides, a plurality of horizontally disposed elongate flexiblebattens, each batten having an initial planar configuration and beingformed of an elastomeric material providing substantial flexing understress and further providing plastic memory affording resilient returnto said initial planar configuration upon removal of said stress, eachof said battens being carried between the sides of individuals ones ofsaid folds and extending the substantial length thereof, means fixedlysecuring each of the battens within the fold associated therewith, andmeans to vertically raise and lower the shade progressively from thelowermost portion thereof.

2. A shade as in claim 1 wherein the means securing the battens withinthe folds comprises adhesive means disposed between the outer surfacesof said battens and the confronting surfaces of the portions of thelayer forming said folds.

3. A shade as in claim 1 wherein said means securing the battens withinrespective folds includes at least one line of stitching extending alongthe length of said folds,

said stitching securing together opposing portions of the layer formingsaid folds.

4. A shade as in claim 3 wherein said stitching ex tends through theopposed layer portions and is secured into the adjacent batten.

S. A shade as in claim 4 in which at least certain ones of said battensare formed with marginal portions which extend rearwardly of said folds,and said means to raise and lower the shade includes pull-cord means anda plurality of openings formed in the marginal portions of said battens,said openings being arranged in two or more rows of vertically alignedopenings with said pull-cord means extending vertically through saidaligned openings, and together with means for restraining the lowermostportions of said pull-cord means for vertical movement with a lowerportion of the shade.

6. A shade as in claim 3 in which said means securing the battens withinthe folds further includes adhesive means disposed between the outersurfaces of the battens and the confronting surfaces of portions of thelayer forming said folds.

7. A shade as in claim 1 in which at least certain ones of said battensare formed with marginal portions which extend rearwardly of the folds.

8. A shade as in claim 1 in which said battens are formed of a syntheticpolymer material having a thickness in the range between substantiallyl5 and 30 mil providing rigidity for holding said folds in substantiallyhorizontal planar configuration and parallel alignment when the shade ishung.

9. A shade as in claim 3 in which said stitching secures togetheropposed portions of said folds into horizontally extending pockets, andsaid battens are disposed within individual one of said pockets.

10. A shade as in claim 9 in which said means securing the battenswithin the folds includes a plurality of openings formed through atleast certain ones of said pockets and the battens associated therewithand grommet means disposed in said openings for securing together theportions of the fold and batten surrounding respective openings, and themeans to raise and lower the shade includes pull-cord means extendingvertically through the grommet means.

11. A shade as in claim 9 in which the means securing the battens withinthe folds includes stitch means extending through the folds at opposedends of said pockets for restraining respective battens therein fromlongitudinal displacement.

12. A shade as in claim 1 which includes means forming a horizontallyelongate hem pocket at the lower margin of said layer, weight meansdisposed in said pocket, and means forming a flap at an end of said hempocket including means to releasably open and close said flap forinserting and removing said weight into and from said pocket.

13. A shade as in claim 12 for quick release from and attachment to asupport fixture, and including means forming opposed strips ofinterengageable, selectively releasable fastener means, one of saidstrips being secured to said fixture and the other of said strips beingsecured to the upper margin of said shade whereby said strips whenpressed into confronting relationship attach the shade to the fixture.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE a n. w n -r CLRTK: LCATL OF CORRLCTJLONPatent No- 3,777,800 Dated December 11. 1973 Inventofls) I YASHA A.SUSOEV rs in the above-identified patent It is certified that errorappea by corrected as shown below:

and that said Letters Patent are here 1 In paragraph I761" of the coverpage the correct Inventor's address is as follows:

Yasha A. Susoev 151 Union Street k San Francisco, California 94111Signed and sealed this 23rd day of April 19m.

(SEAL) Attest:

MARSHALL DAMN Commissioner of Patents EDX' IARD I- LFLE GMSRJR.Attssting Officer

1. In a shade device, the combination comprising at least one layer offabric, a plurality of horizontally extending, vertically spacedU-shaped folds formed in said fabric layer, the folds having facingplanar sides, a plurality of horizontally disposed elongate flexiblebattens, each batten having an initial planar configuration and beingformed of an elastomeric material providing substantial flexing understress and further providing plastic memory affording resilient returnto said initial planar configuration upon removal of said stress, eachof said battens being carried between the sides of individuals ones ofsaid folds and extending the substantial length thereof, means fixedlysecuring each of the battens within the fold associated therewith, andmeans to vertically raise and lower the shade progressively from thelowermost portion thereof.
 2. A shade as in claim 1 wherein the meanssecuring the battens within the folds comprises adhesive means disposedbetween the outer surfaces of said battens and the confronting surfacesof the portions of the layer forming said folds.
 3. A shade as in claim1 wherein said means securing the battens within respective foldsincludes at least one line of stitching extending along the length ofsaid folds, said stitching securing together opposing portions of thelayer forming said folds.
 4. A shade as in claim 3 wherein saidstitching extends through the opposed layer portions and is secured intothe adjacent batten.
 5. A shade as in claim 4 in which at least certainones of said battens are formed with marginal portions which extendrearwardly of said folds, and said means to raise and lower the shadeincludes pull-cord means and a plurality of openings formed in themarginal portions of said battens, said openings being arranged in twoor more rows of vertically aligned openings with said pull-cord meansextending vertically through said aligned openings, and together withmeans for restraining the lowermost portions of said pull-cord means forvertical movement with a lower portion of the shade.
 6. A shade as inclaim 3 in which said means securing the battens within the foldsfurther includes adhesive means disposed between the outer surfaces ofthe battens and the confronting surfaces of portions of the layerforming said folds.
 7. A shade as in claim 1 in which at least certainOnes of said battens are formed with marginal portions which extendrearwardly of the folds.
 8. A shade as in claim 1 in which said battensare formed of a synthetic polymer material having a thickness in therange between substantially 15 and 30 mil providing rigidity for holdingsaid folds in substantially horizontal planar configuration and parallelalignment when the shade is hung.
 9. A shade as in claim 3 in which saidstitching secures together opposed portions of said folds intohorizontally extending pockets, and said battens are disposed withinindividual one of said pockets.
 10. A shade as in claim 9 in which saidmeans securing the battens within the folds includes a plurality ofopenings formed through at least certain ones of said pockets and thebattens associated therewith and grommet means disposed in said openingsfor securing together the portions of the fold and batten surroundingrespective openings, and the means to raise and lower the shade includespull-cord means extending vertically through the grommet means.
 11. Ashade as in claim 9 in which the means securing the battens within thefolds includes stitch means extending through the folds at opposed endsof said pockets for restraining respective battens therein fromlongitudinal displacement.
 12. A shade as in claim 1 which includesmeans forming a horizontally elongate hem pocket at the lower margin ofsaid layer, weight means disposed in said pocket, and means forming aflap at an end of said hem pocket including means to releasably open andclose said flap for inserting and removing said weight into and fromsaid pocket.
 13. A shade as in claim 12 for quick release from andattachment to a support fixture, and including means forming opposedstrips of interengageable, selectively releasable fastener means, one ofsaid strips being secured to said fixture and the other of said stripsbeing secured to the upper margin of said shade whereby said strips whenpressed into confronting relationship attach the shade to the fixture.